What is the variegated jade plant? An introduction to a Crassulaceae succulent

Common names of the variegated jade plant

The variegated jade plant is commonly known as the golden jade plant.

Habits of the variegated jade plant

The variegated jade plant is a Crassulaceae succulent of the genus Crassula, and summer is its period of vigorous growth.

The variegated jade plant is a variegated variation. It likes a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight. The most suitable growing temperature is 18~24°C, and it can safely overwinter at 3~5°C in winter.

The variegated jade plant is drought-tolerant, not cold-tolerant, afraid of waterlogging, and avoids strong light. It can receive sunlight all year round, but needs appropriate shading at noon in summer.

Common propagation methods for the variegated jade plant: cuttings and leaf cuttings.

Care tips for the variegated jade plant

Repotting: repot every year in early spring. Choose a potting soil mix of fertile garden soil and coarse sand, and apply a small amount of base fertilizer (bone meal). When repotting, prune or pinch back according to the plant's growth; if it has grown too tall, lower the plant's shape.

Watering: during the growing season, water the variegated jade plant once a week to keep the potting soil slightly moist; at other times, water once every 2~3 weeks. Do not water too much, otherwise the plant will grow leggy, affecting its shape and leaf color.

Fertilizing: fertilize once a month, using diluted cake fertilizer water or a special succulent fertilizer; do not fertilize in winter.

Light: provide appropriate shading during high temperatures and strong light in summer; in spring and autumn, care for it normally. When sunlight is abundant and the temperature difference is large, the leaf edges will turn red.

Pests and diseases: common pests and diseases of the variegated jade plant are anthracnose and scale insects. Keep the plant in a ventilated place and use pesticides to control them.

Propagation methods of the variegated jade plant

Cuttings: cut off a plump leaf from the top, 3~4 cm long. Insert it into a sand bed and keep the room temperature at 18~20°C; once new leaves grow, it can be potted.

Leaf cuttings: cut off a mature, plump leaf and place it on a moist sand surface; once new shoots grow, it can be potted.

Suggested planting combinations: Echeveria 'Purple Pearl', Sedum rubrotinctum.